Sotally Tober

Drinking and driving is always okay. Drinking and driving is sometimes okay. Drinking and driving is okay if you didn't drink what you consider a lot. Drinking and driving is okay if it's only one time. Drinking and driving is NEVER okay, was NEVER okay, and will NEVER be okay.

Often times people justify this regrettable mistake with any one of the following excuses:

• "I didn't have that much to drink."


• "I live close enough."


• "I've done it before"


• "I'm actually better when I'm drunk."

Let not one excuse go unaddressed. This website supplied sufficient statements that debunked the bullets above. As little as .02 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can impair ones mind. If an individual is drinking and planning on driving later it is imperative he or she knows his or her legal limit--from .08 BAC and up it is legally to be behind a wheel in Missouri. Driving to blocks versus ten miles doesn't make a four thousand pound car any less lethal to a person. Around two-thirds of all drunk driving convictions are first time offenders. Alcohol has been chemically proven to impair depth perception and mental processes. It has never been proven to improve any skills needed to drive.

Nothing is more disappointing than when harmless fun with friends quickly changes into probable harm due to one poor decision. Respect drives off with an intoxicated driver the second he or she starts the ignition.

There is an endless amount of legitimate reasons why a person should not drive after the consumption of alcohol including:


1. Sensory and motor impairment. The effects of alcohol can be found here. In naming a few alcohol impairs vision, mental functions, decision making, and anticipation skills--all needed while driving.

2. Legal consequences. If a person is over the legal limit and is pulled over, he or she can receive a DUI resulting in serious legal consequences. DUI convictions may result in thousands of dollars in fines, jail time, extended probation, license suspension, and mandatory classes with charges. In many states a DUI can even accumulate a felony charge.

3. Unnecessary death. A life lost do to a alcohol related accident is a tragedy that could have been 100% prevented. Every 30 minutes a person is killed as a result of drunk driving. Approximately 16,000 people die each year from these easily avoided accidents.

There are preventative measures a person can and should take in order to avoid finding his or herself behind the wheel after a night of drinking.

• Having a designated driver can ensure a safe way home.


• Calling a taxi and/or friend/family allows everyone to drink and no one to get behind the wheel after.


• Planning ahead and not drinking if there is a chance of ending up behind the wheel.


• Walking home from a night out is safe if you are not alone or far from home.

Drinking and driving is harmful to society as a whole. It is a plague killing off thousands a year. Anyone can be affected by this. A person doesn't have to be the one making the immoral decision to lose his/her life or a loved ones. If you ever find yourself considering to drink and drive, ponder this--could you live with your life after taking another out of this world? Drinking and driving is NEVER okay.